Rotation Models

Using a fixed time rotation, is an easy transition into BlendED. Rotation models maintain the class day, period schedule with little adjustments to traditional classroom instruction. Rotation models are sometimes referred to as hybrids of the traditional classroom. Using a calendar based, benchmarked curriculum, students move in a somewhat consistent path and teacher can control face-to-face instructional topics, yet allow the digital content deliver ‘when ready’ topics to individual students.

Station Rotation

One rotation model you may wish to try is station rotation. Many elementary classrooms already use a station rotation model, the transition is rather easy to add a digital curriculum component. The key is to use the data from the software platform drive guided instruction. At the secondary level a station rotation may happen over a three day cycle, where one-third of the students engage on one of the three stations which address the three components of CIA:

independent digital learning (digital curriculum)
teacher small group instruction (guided instruction)
peer-to-peer collaborative work (authentic assessment)

This does not prohibit days of non-rotation for whole group instruction or full-class events. A typical station rotation week could look like the schedule below:

Lab Rotation

In today’s classroom with 1:1 devices a lab rotation doesn’t mean students have to leave the classroom to engage with digital curriculum. A lab rotation is much like the station rotation, just flipping between teacher guided instruction and digital learning. Full class guide instruction should focus on topics that include “Power Standards,” scaffolding and anchoring concepts, problem-solving, and real-world applications. Even on days that students are engaging with digital content, teachers should lead a full class introduction (possibly with a spiral review) and end the class with a closing activity (e.g. shoulder share one thing new you learned today). A typical lab rotation week could look like the schedule below:

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